At a heated debate last night between Councilman Charles Barron and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, both of whom are attempting to unseat Brooklyn Congressman Ed Towns, Mr. Barron leveled a big charge against Mr. Jeffries over his campaign contributions from the Police Benevolent Association, calling them “blood money,” a phrase he repeated to The Politicker this afternoon.
“You can’t criticize stop-and-frisk while taking money from the PBA,” he said, chastising the NYPD for some of their controversial shootings.
Reached for a comment, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries didn’t take kindly to the harsh criticism.
“My legislative record of accomplishment on stop-and-frisk and police reform issues is unimpeachable. The ‘blood money’ reference is strange and perplexing coming from someone who is an unabashed apologist of Muammar Gaddafi, Robert Mugabe and other rogue international dictators who have ruled with blood-soaked hands,” Mr. Jeffries said, referring to Mr. Barron’s strong support for the regimes of Mr. Gaddafi and Mr. Mugabe.
“Moving forward, it is my hope that the campaign will focus on the quality of life issues that are important to the people who live in the 10th Congressional district.”
The election between Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Barron and Mr. Towns looks to be one of the most spirited Democratic primaries in New York State this year. Voters head to the polls June 26th.
